MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop E Headquarters - 4947 Highway 67 North - Poplar Bluff, MO 63901


News Release

For further information please contact: Trooper Clark D. Parrott
(573) 840-9500, Ext. 3532
06041224
June 4, 2012

EMPHASIS: Traffic Stop On Interstate 55 Results In Drug Arrest


On June 2, 2012, at approximately 1:25 p.m., a member of the Missouri State Highway Patrol stopped a 1999 Lincoln Town Car for a traffic violation.

The driver was identified as Micheal S. McHale, 42, of Austin, Texas. During the course of the traffic stop, several indicators of criminal activity were observed causing the trooper to become suspicious. Consent to search the vehicle was requested and denied; therefore, Patrol K-9 Edy was used to perform an exterior sniff of the vehicle. K-9 Edy alerted on the rear of the vehicle. A subsequent probable cause search revealed 12 bundles of processed marijuana that were wrapped in tape and vacuum sealed in coffee grounds. The total weight of the marijuana was 275 pounds. McHale was arrested for felony drug trafficking.

The charge for which McHale was arrested is mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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